MANILA, Philippines — The Office of the Special Assistant to the President (OSAP) expressed support for the Department of Science and Technology’s science-based peace initiative, underscoring Malacañang's policy direction of unity and the normalization of former conflict areas in Mindanao. The initiative, implemented in Lanao del Sur and Lanao del Norte, strengthens peacebuilding efforts through the delivery of science and technology interventions in six previously acknowledged camps of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). In a statement, Special Assistant to the President Anton Lagdameo Jr. reaffirmed the full support of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his administration for the continued implementation of the peace agreements and the normalization process with the MILF. "We remain committed to ensuring that the hard earned and deeply meaningful gains are protected, expanded and carried into the next generation," Lagdameo said. Led by DOST Secretary Renato Solidum Jr., the program was formalized through the ceremonial turnover of technologies and the signing of a memorandum of agreement for the project titled “Empowering the six previously acknowledged MILF Camps in Mindanao through the provision of science and technology interventions.” The project is being carried out in coordination with Member of Parliament Basit “Jannati Mimbatas” Abbas, chairman of Camp Bushra and representative of the Joint Task Forces on Camps Transformation (JTFCT), and with the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (Opapru) headed by Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. Abbas said that the program was warmly received by beneficiaries, noting that the presence of DOST leaders and the project’s strong grassroots reach helped build trust and strengthen relationships within the communities. The initiative covers Camp Bushra, Camp Bilal, Camp Badre, Camp Omar, Camp Abubakar, and Camp Rajahmuda. Interventions were developed to ensure cultural sensitivity, sustainability, and responsiveness to local priorities. Key interventions focused on health, water, education, and livelihood. These include the installation of six solar-powered Level II water systems, the deployment of SafeWatrs water treatment technologies, and the conduct of food safety training, Halal compliance orientation, and basic nutrition activities.